Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid rich tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee during the celebrations marking his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as one of India’s greatest patriots whose vision continues to shape the nation’s progress.
Addressing the event virtually due to a pre-scheduled engagement, the Prime Minister highlighted Dr. Mookerjee’s contributions to national unity, education, industrial development, and democratic politics.
Modi said that the occasion was not merely a remembrance of a historical figure but a celebration of ideas that remain relevant in contemporary India. He stated that the principles advocated by Dr. Mookerjee have grown into a powerful force influencing the country’s development and governance.
‘Stood Like a Rock’ to Protect West Bengal
Recalling the turbulent period surrounding India’s Partition in 1947, the Prime Minister said Dr. Mookerjee played a decisive role in ensuring that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. He remarked that when attempts were being made to separate the entire region from India, Dr. Mookerjee firmly opposed such efforts and mobilised public opinion to safeguard the state’s future.
According to Modi, Dr. Mookerjee demonstrated exceptional political courage by resisting divisive forces during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. He said this contribution continues to inspire generations and remains an important chapter in India’s national journey.
A Visionary Behind an Ideological Movement
The Prime Minister described Dr. Mookerjee as the architect of an ideological movement that provided India with an alternative political vision during a period when the Congress dominated the political landscape.
He noted that founding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was not merely the creation of a political party but an expression of faith in democratic diversity, national thought, and public participation. Modi said the movement founded by Dr. Mookerjee eventually evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party, which today serves millions of citizens across the country.
He also praised the countless party workers whose dedication helped preserve and strengthen the ideals established by Dr. Mookerjee over several decades.
National Unity at the Core of His Legacy
Highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s commitment to national integration, the Prime Minister said his opposition to the concept of separate constitutional arrangements for Jammu and Kashmir reflected his belief in a united India governed under one Constitution.
Modi recalled Dr. Mookerjee’s famous slogan opposing separate constitutional provisions and said it represented far more than a political statement. According to him, it symbolised equal rights for every citizen and a unified national identity.
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The Prime Minister added that the Union Government fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s long-standing vision by abrogating Article 370, bringing Jammu and Kashmir under the full framework of the Indian Constitution.
Education Rooted in Indian Values
Speaking about Dr. Mookerjee’s academic achievements, Modi pointed out that he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at the age of 33. He said Dr. Mookerjee viewed educational institutions as centres for nation-building rather than merely places for academic administration.
The Prime Minister noted that Dr. Mookerjee strongly advocated education in Indian languages and believed that national confidence could only be built when education reflected India’s cultural identity.
He said the National Education Policy introduced by the government carries forward this vision by promoting education in regional and mother languages while encouraging innovation and holistic learning.
Contribution to Industrial Development
Modi also highlighted Dr. Mookerjee’s role as independent India’s first Industry Minister, saying he laid the foundation for several institutions that contributed significantly to the country’s industrial and economic growth.
He referred to the establishment of the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, the Sindri Fertilizer Plant, the Damodar Valley Corporation, and the Industrial Finance Corporation of India as examples of Dr. Mookerjee’s long-term developmental vision.
According to the Prime Minister, these institutions became pillars of India’s industrial infrastructure and played a vital role in strengthening sectors such as transportation, agriculture, energy, and finance.
Institutions as Centres of National Service
The Prime Minister said Dr. Mookerjee regarded industries, universities, and research institutions as instruments of national service rather than ordinary organisations. He believed they should nurture talent, encourage innovation, and prepare future generations to contribute to the country’s development.
Modi said this philosophy aligns with the government’s present-day efforts to transform India into a developed and self-reliant nation through investment in education, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Tribute by a BJP Government in West Bengal
Congratulating the West Bengal government for organising the commemorative event, the Prime Minister said the celebrations carried special significance as they were taking place in Dr. Mookerjee’s home state.
He noted that the Union Government has been observing Dr. Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national commemoration, beginning on July 6 last year and continuing until July 6 next year.
According to Modi, the event reflects the government’s commitment to honouring national icons and preserving their contributions for future generations.
Call to the Youth
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister urged young people across West Bengal and the country to draw inspiration from Dr. Mookerjee’s life and ideals.
He said while Dr. Mookerjee devoted his life to the vision of Ek Bharat, it is now the responsibility of the younger generation to build Shreshtha Bharat and realise the dream of a developed India.
Quoting one of Dr. Mookerjee’s guiding principles, Modi encouraged citizens to approach every task with sincerity, dedication, and determination, stressing that no work should be left incomplete.
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